A new fundraising initiative has been launched for Jason Becker, the renowned guitarist who has been living with ALS for over 30 years. Though he is no longer physically able to play the guitar, technological advances have allowed Becker to continue to create music and compose during that period.
DragonForce‘s Herman Li will be hosting the telethon-style fundraiser for Becker‘s medical trust via Li‘s Twitch. Numerous arists and special guest swill be appearing and jamming throughout the telethon, while others will be donating signed instruments and rare items to be sold via Reverb.
Several of Becker‘s guitars will be auctioned off later this year, including those from “Perpetual Burn” and Cacophony‘s “Speed Metal Symphony“, as well as his ‘Numbers’ guitar which was played by late Van Halen guitar hero, Eddie Van Halen. Among the artists confirmed to be participating in the fundraiser are:
- Marty Friedman (ex-Megadeth/Cacophony)
- Steve Vai
- Joe Satriani
- Steve Lukather (Toto)
- Mark Tremonti (Alter Bridge, Tremonti)
- John Petrucci (Dream Theater)
- Kiko Loureiro (Megadeth)
- Tosin Abasi (Animals As Leaders)
- Nita Strauss (Alice Cooper)
- Orianthi
- Devin Townsend
- David Ellefson (Megadeth)
- Michael Angelo Batio
- Guthrie Govan
- Tim Henson (Polyphia)
- Alex Skolnick (Testament)
- Albert Lee
- Matt Heafy (Trivium)
- Zoltan Bathory (Five Finger Death Punch)
- Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal (Sons Of Apollo, ex-Guns N’ Roses)
- Satchel (Steel Panther)
- John 5 (Rob Zombie)
- Gus G (Firewind)
- Nili Brosh (The Iron Maidens)
- Jason Richardson (All That Remains)
- The Dooo
- Jared Dines
- Ola Englund (The Haunted)
- Steve Terreberry
- Tyler Larson (Music is Win on YouTube)
- Cole Rolland
- Thomas McRocklin
- Rusty Cooley
- Mattias IA Eklundh (Freak Kitchen)
- Sam Totman (DragonForce)
- Chris Broderick (Act Of Defiance, ex-Megadeth)
- Lari Basilio
- Sophie Lloyd
- Federico Mondelli and Fabiola Bellomo (Frozen Crown)
- Alex Lee (Holy Grail)
- Stevie Salas
- Elliot Easton (The Cars)
- Mika Tyyska
- Daniel Dekay (Diemonds)
- N&M Creation
Herman Li commented:
“I’ve been a huge fan of Jason Becker since I was young, and it’s one of the biggest honors of my life to be able to help organize this tribute and raise money for him. I still have a Jason Becker poster in my studio in London. It’s been very inspiring to see everyone coming together to celebrate Jason.”
Becker himself added:
“I am so grateful for all the love and support everyone has given to me and my family. As far as selling my guitars being sad, and that I shouldn’t have to do it, I just want you to know that isn’t how I feel. It makes me happy to see others playing my music. I feel good about passing on my guitars, thinking they mean something to others. I can’t play them now, but other folks can. That’s a good thing. And, I want myself and my family not to have to worry about money, if possible. Thank you for all the love, I send it right back to you.”
The event will take place throughout this month and April with more details available via jasonbecker.com.
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